Definition
“Psychology is
scientific study of behaviour management” (Dr Rajesh Verma)
“Psychology is defined
formally as a science which studies mental processes, experiences and behaviour
in different contexts” (NCERT, XI).
“The book (Principles of
Physiological Psychology, 1873-74/1910, two volumes) I have presented to the
public is an attempt to mark out a new domain of science” – Wilhelm Wundt, 1874
“If I had known that the
atomic bomb was going to be the result of my creativity, of my whole life's
work, then I would never have been a physicist. And if there is going to be another
life for me, I pray to God, please make me a plumber rather than a
physicist." – Albert Einstein.
What is Science?
“Science is a beautiful gift to humanity; we should not distort it” -
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
“A systematic process of searching and application of knowledge gained
thereof”.
Characteristics of science
1. Acquiring knowledge through
experiments and observation.
2. Use of empirical {Empiricism
(founded by John Locke) states that the only source of knowledge comes through
our senses – e.g. sight, hearing etc.} methods to understand nature.
3. Control and manipulation
of variables.
4. Objective observations.
5. Testing, re-testing and
verification of results.
6. Replication and predictability.
Discoveries Prior to Leipzig
Lab that Set the Ground for Psychology becoming a Science
1. Rene Descartes
(1596-1650) describes reflex action, attributes and human beings are endowed
with rational mind (Goodwin, 2008).
2. Hermann von Helmholtz
(1821-1894) pioneered in visual and auditory perception, proposed trichromatic
theory of colour vision, resonance theory of audition and empiricist approach
to perception (Goodwin, 2008).
3. Famous case of Phineas Gage
(1848) that showed that brain damage resulted in irreversible changes to his personality
and behaviour.
4. Paul Broca discovery of
speech center in 1861.
5. Carl Wernick discovering
speech comprehending centre.
Journey as a Science
Psychology as a science
began its journey long before opening of first lab at University of Leipzig in 1879
by Wilhelm Wundt. It was a watershed event because labs are the hallmark of
science and psychology could join the league. The lab work demands use of
empirical methods for studying a phenomenon.
The methods of natural science were adopted to study and explore the
psychological constructs, aspects and concepts.
Psychology came a long
way from structuralism (introspection) to cognitive science (non-invasive
technology). This has been achieved by: -
(i) rigorous research work
(ii) critical analysis
(iii) development of reliable
and valid tools
(iv) extensive peer review of
research work
(v) addressing the problems of
society scientifically
(vi) expanding the scope into
new fields by application of its principles
During the developing
process Psychologists developed various theories such as theories of Memory,
Attention, Perception, Intelligence, Emotions, Motivation using
hypothetico-deductive model (Karl Popper, 1935) which means that a discipline
is a scientific when it has theories to explain phenomenon. The second most
important approach that modeled the psychology into science is ‘Evolutionary approach’
which is the domain of biological sciences. Evolutionary approach that views
human nature as the product of a universal set of evolved psychological adaptations
to recurring problems in the ancestral environment.
The second most
important approach that modelled the psychology into science is ‘Evolutionary
approach’ which is the domain of biological sciences. Evolutionary approach
that views human nature as the product of a universal set of evolved
psychological adaptations to recurring
problems in the ancestral environment.
The psychologists
adopted objective and precise measurements and empiricism {John Locke, it
states that the only source of knowledge comes through our senses – e.g. sight,
hearing etc. (McLeod, 2008)} as its method of enquiry consequently psychology
evolving into science.
The subject that started with introspection as a method of studying the
structure of mind is now exploring the mental processes through advanced
models, experiments and technology.
Though
it has emerged as a science still control, observation, prediction, verification
of human behaviour in its exact terms is not yet possible due to intricacies of
mental processes. Psychology is a bridge
that connects science with social sciences, it depends upon the individual to
choose suitable approach.
Reference:
1. NCERT, XI Psychology Text
book.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary
_psychology.
3. Goodwin, C. J. (2008). A
History of Modern Psychology. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
4. https://www.simplypsychology.org/science-psychology.html
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